Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Deputy Speaker, Monday was a black day. Regional ABC took a hit—hardly following the principles of corporate good sense.

When we came to government we discovered a quicksand of budget expenditure, hidden in policy bombs. These were left from those opposite, who spend Mr and Mrs Taxpayer's money unwisely and then borrow more. This week we wear the white ribbon representing respect. Judging by internet comments, many keyboard warriors have a long journey before they can respect themselves. Until this week, I have never been accused of being a lamb, nor a lion. I proudly say in this House though: I will always roar for my community. Labor's contempt for fiscal responsibility means every government department has to reduce their spending. The ABC is not exempt.

Let us put these things in perspective: six years of Labor and $16 billion was ripped from Defence—not a squeak. But a reduction of $3.3 million—just 4.6 per cent—from the ABC—and the world is about to collapse. According to Nick Cater, Labor's Hawke government reduced the ABC budget by seven per cent. Do we see hypocrisy? Absolutely! CEO of the ABC, Mark Scott, has a lot to answer for, saying in a Senate estimates hearing last week that:

The ABC is held with great love, great affection, and provides a vitally important role in regional and rural Australia. We are seeking to prioritise that. We are seeking to protect that.

How did that go? Labor goes ballistic, but where are their ABC plans? Missing.